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| Rayse Biggs: ’For The Love of It’ Known for his dual horn playing technique, Rayse Biggs is in a jazzy class of his own. The playing of two horns (French Horn and Trumpet) during his performance has gained him star status with national and international audiences. A sought after performer and arranger, Biggs has toured and performed with Bob James, Fred Hammond, Smokey Robinson, Martha Reeves, Kirk Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Norman Connors, Aretha Franklin, Dennis Edwards and Temptations Review Donald Byrd, KEM and many many more. Even though the horn is his first love, he is an accomplished drummer and pianist. This multi-talented performer sometimes scats and may also throw in a soft-shoe or a few tap dance steps. Some of the musical influences and mentors that have helped to mold and shape his talents include his older brother Travis Biggs, world famous trumpeter Marcus Belgrave, Clark Terry, Russell Green, Dr. Thomas "Beans" Bowles, and Herbie Williams. In 1995 Rayse received the Detroit Music Award for Best Horn (Jazz). Though his schedule is busy, Rayse also teaches music at Plymouth Educational Center as well as being owner of Willray Recording and Rehearsal facility located in Detroit. The CD "For The Love of It" has taken 12 years to complete. The CD features some of Detroit's best musicians; Marcus Belgrave, Derek Benford, Carl Holmes, Duke Billingslea, Wayne Gerard, Ron Otis, David Myles and Dave McMurray. Vocalist Kymberli Wright, Maizon, CoCo Pharr-Thomas, Leslie Ferguson and Rayse's daughter, Maya Biggs also contributed to this fine CD. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |